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With all the options like Uber, scooters, and public transport, why would you ever spend $25k+ on one of these? It's not like it gives you any utility, it isn't fun to drive, and you can't take it on vacation. It certainly doesn't make you cool!
@@TheStraightPipes It's not one pedal driving but it could've been, you're more wrong than the other guy. One pedal cars don't exist and for good reason. This is like saying "I can't make hands-free phone calls because I still have hands". ONE PEDAL DRIVE does not equal ONE PEDAL CAR. EVs have regeneration and most slow down very aggressively (apparently this one doesn't) when you lift your foot off the throttle. That means under normal conditions you get by without ever touching the brake. You only ever brake in case of an emergency. You're both painful to watch.
State will give 7k incentive if you buy it. So more like 28k. And you get more benefits from government too like 2k more for free. So u get 9k off total
I agree, is a gas car one pedal driving too if it stops by itself because you are not applying any gas and it doesn't light the brake lights? (eventually it will stop), the fact that it stops by itself doesn't make it one pedal driving, we have to agree on the fact that we have a new breed of cars and one of their capabilities is to deliver a full stop while charging while lighting the brake lights, one pedal driving is how we call that.
My wife owns a BMW i3. It has aggressive deceleration when fully lifting the throttle. It is also variable in normal traffic situations sufficient to emulate braking behavior. And yes, the brake lights will come on if the deceleration is strong enough. That is one-pedal driving. I've driven a new Smart EV and it does not exhibit enough deceleration from the throttle to be considered one pedal. It is similar to a typical gas-powered car with an automatic transmission.
Seems like you guys don't drive manuals. My manual diesel Volvo won't stop if i let go, up to 4th it will pull the car when it gets to idle. The ecu forces the engine to run (that's idle rpm) and it won't let it stop unless you are dumb/unskilled enough to stall it.
they are too expensive for what they are - mercedes designed renault cars. i own the gas one, and in the city it is brilliant, but the electric makes no sense in no situation, at this price. the renault designed and made - zoe, is cheaper and has double the range. at just 4 meters of length is still one of the smallest city cars. this smart can be compared with the twizy, but that costs only 6k euros, arround 7,5k usd, that is an appropriate small city two seater price. i went to a dealer, and they said, the price doesn't have to be smaller, it is a mercedes product. they are wrong, it's a cheap rebadged renault
@matt lebo no, it would cost 19000 $ For example, renault twingo and smart S4S is totally same car...just a bit different design and rebadged...cost is ~ 30 % highier just because of brand. Fact !
If you NEED to use the brake pedal to come to a complete stop is it NOT one pedal driving LOL -- The concept of one pedal driving, is you only need one pedal.
@@TheStraightPipes You have to be able to bring the car to a full stop without using the brakes and you have to be able to drive with one pedal only in regular traffic by using a bit of foresight.
@@TheStraightPipes Sorry I missed this, what @ytxstream said would be my answer. I.e. "Can I control the car fully with just one pedal?" The brake pedal would be for emergencies only. Simply slowing down "a little bit" =/= one pedal driving. It equals...driving where the car charges a little bit. My Acura RDX (which I got thanks to your review!) slows down "a little bit" when I let off the gas. That certainly doesn't equate to "one pedal driving."
The "Mercedes" that is actually a Renault. I was in Paris at the Renault Shop and they had a Twingo GT, which is so obviously the same car except back seats, manual transmission, and a little turbocharged engine. Still RWD too.
8 months now with mine, and i love it. Other car is a buick roadmaster wagon....so it's a little easier to park. you DO get pushed around a lot by other drivers, they try to cut you off and overtake you at any chance, but it has a lot more power than most any of the other drivers are expecting. usually leave them behind, and by the time they figure it out, you are way out in front.
Being in SOCAL, I just wave them on, and cruise in number 4,5 lanes. People get bored and move on, accelerating dangerously- then get in a fiery crash and block the entire freeway for hours. So it evens out.
OMGAAAAAAWD YURI. Its not one pedal driving. If thats one pedal driving, all cars are one pedal driving when going at 3 kmph. Also, what watches does Jacob own? #ImaSPPatreon :)
I tried a Nissan Leaf in the 'one pedal driving mode' you guys were arguing about and I loathed it. I'm a manual driver and when I get off the gas, that's because I want thinking time and reaction space, I don't want to drive any vehicle where if I'm not giving it juice, it hits the brake. I tried a Smart EQ and it's GREAT! It wasn't snatchy at the brakes, unlike the Leaf. If I can find one of the right spec, I'm IN!
One pedal driving is when there’s an active system that slows the car down without touching the brakes. If this car allows for coasting without regen when foot is completely off the throttle pedal, it would not have been one pedal driving.
I’m gonna side with Jakub on the “one pedal driving” debate. Letting go of the throttle has to result in a complete stop to be considered “one pedal driving.” Otherwise, it’s two pedal driving since you use two pedals.
I don't think I've ever seen Jakub and Yuri bicker so much before! Hahahaha! What a polarizing vehicle. Also, that definitely isn't one-pedal driving if it won't come to a complete stop.
You know what automakers should do? Put the energy recovery system on the break pedal... so when you press it, it engages that along with the required amount of breaks to stop the car... a little less efficient, but would be alot better to drive and would bring coasting back... by the way, you guys actually made me fast forward the whole one pedal girly discussion you had there... xD cheers!
@7:21 The visor reverse/go forward is actually a good design for this car😁. When the roof & windows are down. The wind force can easily open the visor if it had the conventional design.
Montreal’s city car program uses the Smart, seems perfect for the application. I’d look forward to tooting around in this and also while not owning it. I like kooky cars so yes please.
I have owned two Smart Fortwo's and both were gas powered. They were quirky and a lot of fun! The first one I hit a deer with going around 55mph and the Tridion safety cell did it's job and kept me safe. The second Smart I had for four years and had no issues with. The electric would not make any sense for me as the range is not enough for the distance I drive each day. If Smart improves this to around 200-250 miles, then we will talk. Cheers!
Like Jakub said, one pedal driving means you only need one pedal to accelerate and to brake. The one pedal needs to be able to replace the brake pedal function, it means it should be braking properly and turn the brake light on. Since when the main function of the brake pedal is to charge your battery, Yuri?
I have the regular coupe ForTwo and it is cheaper than the Zoe in the U.K. I had the previous gen Zoe before they upped the battery size, and when I returned that car I went for this as it’s significantly cheaper. Aside from the annoyances mentioned like the old style key and infotainment system, it’s actually more enjoyable to own than the Zoe. It’s unique and fun. It does everything I need in day to day driving. I don’t usually drive longer distances but you can as long as you plan where you’re going to charge. The only big problem is the range. Hopefully they will update it soon with over 100 miles and CCS charging. But most people who are considering a smart will be fine with what it currently offers.
Drum roll... it’s actually a Renault Twingo in drag... hence the infotainment and quirks. We used to live in a city in Germany, we didn’t own a car, but had carsharring and they had these. Not only did I love them, but my wife (who hates driving) always wanted to drive one of the Smart EQs. There is nothing better for the city, especially in Europe. The perfect 2nd car to run errands.
I picked up a Cadillac ELR at a great price, 37 miles of pure electricity and pure luxury. It also handles like a Camaro because the battery is lower the center of gravity. Not to mention it's on 20 inch wheels, which are stock.
This is the perfect car for putting in the back of a toy hauler RV. Almost zero maintenance; 5 feet shorter than most every other EV and almost 1000 pounds lighter than other EVs.
Have to agree with Jakub about one pedal driving. If you're meant to use only the one pedal, then at the appropriate times, depressing or letting off that one pedal should include all the normal functions of both pedals- so pulling off should put on your brake lights and bring you to a stop at a comfortable rate relative to the speed.
So if there is only room for one passenger... Jakub does Yuri or Rex go for a drive...? Best friend VS man's best friend? Sorry Yuri, you did do an awesome Rex impression. Also loved the visor test in this car!
I lease one of these, and you mention a couple of things that need explaining... The motor doesn't have 100% off the line (but is still plenty quick) because it uses an AC Synchronous motor - which performs better at speed and up hills than the prior model DC motor. The rear-view mirror thingie was installed backwards for whatever reason. And those cup holders are SO SMALL that a normal 12oz can of soda will not rest on the bottom of the cup holder - so aggravating! I love the magical parking ability!
We had two Smart gas w/engine cars. They were a blast to drive, great parking in the city and really maneuverable. Slow as anything, not so great gas mileage 32-38, my Mazda 3 2.5 gets 27 to 34. Expensive to service, thanks Mercedes but again really fun the Cabriolet was really nice. Except, A Volvo wagon ran a red light and clipped me. The entire rear of the car jumped into the air but my lightning reflexes and my expert driving skills saved us.
The SMART was TERRIBLE to service, you are not kidding there. That's why when I ditched my last 3cyl I said my next one would be an Electric. I missed the little buggers though while I drove an undead Corolla to work. lol.
If it was like 10 grand it might have some kind of use as a beater commuter. As long as you dont need to carry cargo. I dont think i could even fit my tools in there.
Needs to be like $10k. I bought myself a brand new VW Jetta last year for $16k and it's a hell of a lot more car than this 'Smart'. I don't know who would buy this over a Nissan Versa except used because they're worthless on the used market.
Fun vid..... you 2 are a blast ....... I love all your reviewing "quirks and features" ...... As for the push forward visa, that makes sense, seems safer than pulling it towards you. But wow , the price! I know its not electric but give me a MX5 any day of the week, 1500 version in the UK with its very good fuel economy cancels some of the electric benefits ;)
One of my coworkers had a Smart and was in a crash. Not sure how bad it was, but she was fine and said that the car saved her life. And it was totaled, like most crumple cars.
I've been watching a few of your videos lately (the electrics) and I have to tell you that as crass as it sounds, the Canadian in you both comes out very strong. Not that it's bad...but, I see more and more connection to Trailer Park Boys every video. It's like Jakob is an educated version of Ricky and Yuri is a toned down J-roc. If you see it, it gets funnier! Oh, and one-pedal driving is where the regenerative system stops the car and turns on the brake lights when the power (read:gas) pedal is released.
Alright a few things! 🤔 1.) It's okay *strictly* as a city car, but I don't think any car with one specific (and very limited) purpose is a good purchase. 2.) Range is just abysmal. Would be a great city tourist rental vehicle I guess. 3.) It's not one pedal driving. It's coasting. Sorry. 4.) Was there zero user testing for the visor latch configuration? I'm equally hurt like Jakub. Bad functionality/design is immensely disappointing, especially when the other 99.8% of cars do it right. 😂 Attention to detail overall seems very hit/miss. 5.) That price is a _hard_ no.
You can take an e-bike for trips of less than 15-20 km.. One pedal drive means you don't need the brake pedal to stop, except for emergency or hard braking.
This car has a very narrow and specific use case: moving (2) people (only- no luggage or packages) to/from a nearby workplace. I can't use it to drive to the golf club. I can't use it run to the Home Depot. I can barely use it to go shopping for groceries. It seems it's designed for urban areas, but the closest real city to me is New York City where no car is really useful or convenient because of the parking issue. Suburban driving? Perhaps in a very narrow case. My suburban driving always involves a good bit of highway for which this car is not ideal. And after all of that, neither the electric nor petrol versions is particularly energy/fuel efficient. I know the tiny little isolated European "cities" (villages, really) in which this car might thrive. But such places just don't really exist in North America. I'm just not seeing it.
Fun to drive. I bought a 2017 petrol model two months ago and love it. I didn't care about parking ease, storage, energy efficiency or the ability to carry extra humans. I bought it to put a smile on my face. I've owned Minis and Miatas and vintage sports cars and this car is every bit as fun as those. And it's rock steady at highway speeds. Is it for everyone? No. Thank goodness we have choices.
That tridium frame does keep intrusions from crushing the cabin, but in a crash going from 50-0, your body takes all the impact since the frame doesnt give. That wouldnt be good.
The interior really reminds us of our own 2017 Fiat 500c Abarth. By the way, next time you're in LA and want to review a slightly modified Mustang, Camaro, or Abarth - let us know!
Thanks for the video. I have a BMW i3 which I consider to be a gigantic monster truck. It's just WAY TOO BIG. So I've been looking at Smart, Twizy and BASF & GAC 2+X. Thanks to this video, I'll steer clear of the Smart FourTwo... I love the car... it's absolutely adorable... but it's missing a few things. - Keyless is critical... in 2019, I'm more interested in a telephone app than a key. But at least a fob... I am down to one old fashioned key in my life and I'm trying to get rid of that now too. - Apple Carplay... yeh... some of us actually want this - Driving/parking assist... stop and go on the highway sucks... I'd rather just click "Follow the car in front of me" Actually, those are the two show stoppers. I'm generally willing to pay from $30-$120K for a car if they provide value. The Smart seems to be small and cute and that's all it seems to be. When you buy a car like this, you expect the option to pay for luxury. As a note, I'm staying away from the Twizy because... well... it has no doors and no heat. I'll wait for the GAC and see what that brings. It looks promising. :)
I still don't get why they didn't just bring the FourFour over to the US and Canada instead when they decided to go all-electric? UK publications suggest that the FourFour isn't all that much more expensive but has the option of carrying 2 additional people or folding the rear seats down for the occasional larger cargo. And it keeps the quirky 2-tone styling without looking awkwardly proportioned, which would be a huge point in its favor as far as public perception goes.
The has one pedal driving is adaptive I believe. It uses gps to know if you’re in the city or on a highway. Regen. brake kicks in harder when you’re in the city not where you guys are.
